DAVID Jones starred as Montgomery IIs frustrated Henshalls Shropshire Reserve League One leaders Sentinel IIs at Lymore.

In a rain interrupted match the hosts enjoyed a dream start as Richard Jones and Jake Wilkinson caught openers Owen Morris (7) and Iain Howard (1) off Neil Tuffin (1-10) and Rob Yewdall (2-47) respectively.

As the heavens opened the visitors worked the scoreboard with Darren Bullock (38) top scoring while Tom Griffiths (35no) was joined by Matt Boswell (17) and Mike Griffiths (18no) in guiding the Shrewsbury side to135-4.

Home vice captain Dave Jones was rewarded for his fine form with the willow in recent weeks by being given a chance to open the batting in reply and repaid skipper Matthew Jones’ faith with a top scoring 45 before being caught by Griffiths off Boswell (4-7).

Matthew Jones (15) and Yewdall (16) helped Monty to 99-9 and offered resistance to Griffiths (3-16) with Brian Corfield (5no) and Tuffin (0no) defending the last wicket to ensure their side a deserved share of the spoils and a losing draw.

However the result was not enough to prevent Montgomery being relegated back to the second division of the reserve league following one season in the top tier.

Meanwhile Newtown IIs look set to come in the opposite direction after their cancelled match at Acton Reynald IIs left them on the verge of promotion from the second division.

Elsewhere Welshpool IIs third division clash at home to Forton IIs was also a victim of the weather with just one round of games remaining in the Henshalls Shropshire League programme.